Sofia Maldonado: Concrete Jungle Divas and Bling Bling Chicas

Puerto Rican street artist Sofia Maldonado wields a wicked brush and an equally fierce attitude about female empowerment. In two current solo shows, one in New York and the other in Amsterdam, she celebrates hip-hop culture with paintings and drawings of what she describes as “concrete jungle divas” and “bling bling chicas.” Capturing female superstars — including Beyoncé, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, J-Lo, and M.I.A. — with lively strokes on canvas, Maldonado presents a colorful combined vision of brains, brawn, and beauty. A gifted muralist who rallies community youth to contribute to the making of public projects and interior installations, Maldonado is as fearless, capable, and resourceful as the women she portrays.